RESUMO
Background: Surgery for active endocarditis is indicated in cases of congestive heart failure (CHF), persistent sepsis, systemic embolization and paravalvular involvement. Aim: To assess and report the long term results of surgery in adult patients. Patients and methods: Retrospective review of clinical records and operative procedures of 32 patients aged 43± 13 years (28 women) subjected to reparative surgery for complications of endocarditis between 1993 to 2005. Results: In 25 percent of cases, endocarditis presented as a prolonged sepsis syndrome and in 31 percent as a CHF or both. The causative bacteria was Gram (+) in 53 percent and blood cultures were negative in 47 percent. Preoperative echocardiography showed vegetations in 56 percent of cases. An annular abscess, aortic valve rupture and bicuspid valve, was observed in 13 percent of patients. Post operative mortality was due to persistent sepsis and multiorganic dysfunction in 16 percent. Mean long term follow up was 43.8±47.2 months. Actuarial survival was 78 percent at 146 months. Conclusion: Surgical management of active endocarditis provides a good symptomatic recovery, with an excellent long term actuarial survival.